The Wonderful Cellar Band

Once upon a time, as many stories begin, in a DUSTY OLD CELLAR there lived a group of verygood, very old and very out-dated friends. There was an EMPTY GLASS JUG, a RUSTY SAW,two BEAT UP TRASH CANS, and a FADED OLD HAT BOX. Now these old friends had beenin the DUSTY OLD CELLAR for a very long time. And except for being moved about fromtime to time, they were left alone to rust or turn to dust. Needless to say, they were very lonely.

One day, the EMPTY GLASS JUG, in a deep low voice said, “It’s too quiet here. I wishsomething would happen.” “Now really, JUG,” said the RUSTY SAW, “what could possiblyhappen here?” “Why,” said the FADED OLD HAT BOX, “I’ve been sitting on the CELLARshelf for 20 years and all I’ve seen is two mice and a daddy-long-legs spider.” “The EMPTYGLASS JUG is just getting older and emptier,” said the BEAT UP TRASH CANS. “Don’t payhim any mind.”

Suddenly there was the sound of footsteps on the CELLAR stairs. Four young boys, all dressedalike, came cautiously down the DUSTY OLD CELLAR steps. They were talking in hushedvoices. “Are they twins?” asked the FADED OLD HAT BOX. “I think they’re elves,” said theRUSTY SAW in a lofty voice. “Nonsense,” said the EMPTY GLASS JUG. “They’re CubScouts,” said the BEAT UP TRASH CANS. By now, the old friends were very curious andexcited. They listened as they boys talked.

“Boy, it’s spooky down here in the DUSTY OLD CELLAR,” said Jimmy. “Don’t be a fraidycat,” said Mike. “Aw, let’s go,” said Jack. “No, wait,” said Billy. “I’ve got an idea. We have todo a stunt for the den meeting, don’t we?”

“Yea, that’s right,” the other three chorused. “Well,” said Billy. “Let’s have a band--a CELLARband.” “A band!” they yelled. “Sure,” said Billy, “I’ll play that RUSTY SAW. Jimmy, you takethat EMPTY GLASS JUG. Mike, the FADED OLD HAT BOX will make a neat drum. AndJack, those BEAT UP TRASH CANS’ lids will be great cymbals.”

Well, of course, you know the rest. Den 3 made new friends with old friends, right there in theDUSTY OLD CELLAR, with an EMPTY GLASS JUG, a RUSTY SAW, a FADED OLD HATBOX, and two BEAT UP TRASH CANS, and for all we know, they still may be playing.